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SAFE LIFTING &MATERIAL HANDLING
Bureau of Workers Comp
PA Training for Health & Safety(PATHS)
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What well talk about
Material handling tips
Proper lifting
Considerations
Tips for safe lifting
Exercises for work and home
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Material Handling Tips
Check the object before you attempt to lift it. Test every load before lifting = pushing object lightly
with hands or feet to see how easily it moves (good
indication as to how heavy it is). Remember, a small size does not always mean a lightload!
Make sure the load you are lifting is packed correctly.
Employees packing boxes should make sure weightis balanced and packed so it wont move around. Loose pieces inside a box can cause accidents if the
box becomes unbalanced.
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More Tips
Make sure the load is easy to reach. Dont arch your back when lifting a load
above your head. Use a ladder instead of lifting something
above your head.
Heres the best way to pick up an object: Use slow and smooth movements (hurried,
jerky movements can strain the muscles inyour back).
Keep your body facing the object while youlift it (twisting while lifting can injure yourback).
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Test the Load!
Always test the loadbefore lifting to ensureits not too heavy for
you to lift and carry byyourself!
If you determine theload is too heavy, get
assistance (either otherpeople or by using anappropriate mechanicalaid).
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Planning Ahead
Before moving a load, plan both the loadand the route (allows you to evaluatehazards, limitations, route safety and finalplacement).
Evaluate the weight and shape of the loadin addition to what the material is made of.
Some items to check: Is PPE or other safety gear necessary? Size/shape/weight within your limits?
Can you get a firm hand hold? Will you be able to see over the load? Will you need assistance (people, cart,
forklift)?
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Back Injury Prevention:Plan your Lift
Think about the weight, size,
and shape of the object and thedistance you will be moving it.
Is the object bulky? Will you
need help?
Do you see any hazards thatcan be eliminated?
Think about the route youll be
taking: any stairs, doors,obstacles?
If the object is heavy orawkward, use a hand cart orpallet jack.
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Planning Ahead the Route
Check the route you will take and the placeyou will put the load down.
Injuries and property damage can occur when
unexpected problems happen during themove.
Considerations for the route:
- Are there steps, tripping hazards, closed
doors, tight doorways or passageways?- Are there blind corners or wet/slippery floors?
- What is the traffic situation (people, vehicles,
etc.)?
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Planning Ahead the Drop Off Point
Some considerations:
Where will you place the load?
Is there room for the load?
Is the site strong enough to hold the load?
Will the load block traffic or create a hazardwhen placed?
Will the load have to be placed elsewhere orwill it be in the right location after you set itdown?
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Lowering the Object
When lowering anobject remember tobend at the knees notat the waist and
avoiding twistingmotions while puttingthe load down. (thepicture shown demonstrates howNOT to put an object down! ).
If you must turn whilelowering an object,adjust your feet ratherthan twisting yourback.
Not the correct way to lower a box!
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Lifting Properly Step One
Stand close to the load
with your feet spreadabout shoulder widthapart.
One foot slightly infront of the other for
balance.
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Lifting Properly Step Two
Squat down,bending at the
knees (not yourwaist).
Tuck your chinwhile keeping your
back as vertical aspossible.
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Lifting Properly Step Three
Get a firm grasp of theobject before beginningthe lift.
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Lifting Properly Step Four
Begin slowly, lifting with
your LEGS bystraightening them.Never twist your bodyduring this step!
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Lifting Properly Step Five
Once lift is complete,keep object as close to
your body as possible. As the load's center of
gravity moves awayfrom the body, there isa dramatic increase instress to the lumbarregion of the back.
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Other Considerations
Team Lifting When more than one personmay be required to lift a load, consider havinga team of folks and have one person call the
directions and lifting steps so everyone willmove at the same pace.
Stacking Overlap and interlock rows andnever stack above the crush height or abovethe height limits for the facility in which youreworking. Make certain the base is clean andlevel and can support the weight.
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Other Considerations
Drums
Use a lift truck with drum forks or a drumdolly to move, even a short distance.
If moving individual, empty drums, roll on theside not the rim and always work on thedown side of the drum with the hands on the
belly of the drum not the rim.
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Considerations
Cylinders:
Compressed gas cylinders are likebombs with very short fuses!
Valves must be protected by aproper safety cap.
Use a special hand truck to moveindividual cylinders, and walk them
only short distances to align them. Cylinders must be stored in
designated areas and securedwith safety chains or bars.
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Mechanical Aids
Often the best way to move loads is with amechanical aid, like a hand truck or rolling
cart. Choose the right aid for the job and inspect it
before use.
Place the heaviest items on the bottom, with
the weight concentrated between the wheels. Keep your hands away from the edges so they
wont be scraped or crushed in doorways.
Considerations
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Tips for Safe Lifting
Plan the lift.
Remove anything in your way.
Pushing is easier than pulling.
Pulling is easier than carrying.
Get help for heavy/bulky loads.
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More Tips for Safe Lifting
Warm up your muscles with stretches.
Test the weight of the load first.
Face the direction you need to move.
Hold the load close to your body.
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More Tips
Lift with your back as straight ascomfortable.
Keep the load between shoulder andknee height.
Change your position.
Stretch to relax and rest tired muscles.
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and More Tips
Plan where to set the load.
Rest more often when it is hot/humid.
Take more time to warm up your muscles in thecold.
Take more breaks if using tools/equipment thatvibrate.
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Any Problems?
Too manybooks weight couldinjureshouldersand/or back
Drop offsurfacenot bigenough
Position/posture could injure neck, back, arms, shoulders
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Exercises you can do at work
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Be safe - checkwith your doctorbefore attemptingany of theseexercises!
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Strengthening Exercise
Wall Slides to strengthen
your muscles . . . . Stand with your back
against a wall, feetshoulder-width apart.
Slide down into a crouch,
with knees bent to 90 degrees.
Count to five and slide back up
the wall.
Repeat five times.
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Stretching Exercises
Gastroc StretchLean against a wall or other
stationary object, both palmsagainst the object.Leg you want to stretch is back,
several feet from wall, heel firmlypositioned on the floor.Other leg is flexed about halfway
between back leg and wall.Start with your back straight and
gradually lunge forward until youfeel the stretch in your calf.Very important to keep back footstraight and angled 90 degrees fromwall.
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More Stretches
Stretches for side of neck:
Sit or stand with arms
hanging loosely at sides
Turn head to one side, thenthe other
Hold for five seconds, each
side
Repeat one to three times
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and More Stretches
Stretches for side ofshoulder and back of upperarm
Stand or sit and placeright hand on leftshoulder
With left hand, pull right
elbow across chesttoward left shoulder andhold 10 to 15 seconds
Repeat on other side
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and Finally!
Stretches for triceps, top ofshoulders, waist
Keep knees slightly flexed
Stand or sit with arms
overhead Hold elbow with hand of
opposite arm
Pull elbow behind headgently as you slowly lean
to side until mild stretchis felt
Hold 10 to 15 seconds
Repeat on other side
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Exercises you can do at home
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Stretching Exercises
Hip/Glute Stretch
- Cross left foot over
right knee.- Clasp hands behind right
thigh and gently pullthe leg in towards you,keeping upper body
relaxed.
- Switch Legs
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More Stretching Exercises
Hamstring Stretch
Lie on floor with knees
bent.
Straighten one leg
and slowly pull it towardsyou, clasping the thigh,calf or ankle.
Keep knee slightly bent.
Switch legs.
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Bottom Line
If the load you aretrying to manually lift
is too heavy for youto handle, get helpfrom coworkers or a
mechanical aid dont risk getting
injured!
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Questions
Top Related